Simone’s Sardinia

Simone’s Sardinia Bike Tour Overview

Join us on an all-ability exploration of the southern part of one of the jewels of the Mediterranean – Sardinia. In the company of the inimitable Simone Scalas you’ll experience the essence of cultural immersion as he takes you on a tour of his homeland.

From the enchanting capital Cagliari we head to the unique town of Carloforte where Ligurian, African and Sardinian culture blend harmoniously. Situated on the beguiling island of San Pietro we then see Sardinia from the perfect vantage point at sea as we head to out with some fishermen friends of Simone for a cruise and lunch.

Cycling highlights include the spectacular southern coastline and the wild Sulcis countryside that provide a varied backdrop for this varied tour. Simone provides a wonderful commentary on this tour as he grew up in the nearby town of Pula. Meeting his friends and family along the way is a tour highlight

Having written books on cycling in Sardinia and working as a cycle guide for 20 years we can’t think of anyone better qualified to lead this tour. Hi warm personality and jokes simply provide the icing on the cake on a tour that truly provides a sense of place.

Team Members on this Tour

Simone Scalas - Trip Specialist and Partner

Simone is affectionately known among the team as ‘cinghiale’ – Italian for ‘wild boar’! A proud Sardinian he has been working with Dylan since 2004. They both started as guides and have extensive experience of designing and running tours together throughout France and Italy. In more recent years Simone has set up his own company – Mediterras. It was Mediterras that conceptualised the 3 Islands tour and Simone still acts as the Trip Specialist. His good humour, depth of knowledge and professionalism make him an ever popular member of the team with guests and co-workers alike.

First cycling memory:Since I was a child, the bike has been to me like a space shuttle to me, taking me to faraway places. When I was little there was a huge forest close to where I live in southern Sardinia and I used to explore this marvelous place for hours, always trying to get further and further away from home. My passion for bikes was probably born then.

Favourite bike:I love titanium bikes, and my Linksey is very sexy, but if I could pick the bike of my dreams it’d be a Crisp; a handmade and designed by Darren Crisp, an american architect that set his workshop up in Tuscany.

Top climb:The Col de Palmarella in western Corsica, offering great views over the ocean from the top. Plus is not that long, which helps :)

One thing on your bucket list:Get myself an Italian red Lancia Fulvia from '70, a classy and quintessentially elegant car.

A special skill you bring on tour:A bit of fun..and lots of jokes, of course. Watch out :)

Favourite Ride and Seek tour gastronomic experience:Any meal in Sicily. From street food to the most refined dinner, this place is always able to surprise my tastebuds.

Marcello Usala - Trip Specialist and Partner

Marcello is a native of the lovely town of Bosa on the west coast of Sardinia. He has been working on bike tours for 20 years and is highly respected within the industry. He presently lives just outside Cagliari with is wife and two kids. Along with Simone and Gian-Mario he now runs the company Mediterras. This is the team that conceptualised our 3 Islands tour and also helps deliver some of our custom tours. Marcello plays an important role in improving our mapping capabilities and is also working with Dylan on our most ambitious tour yet for 2020 – simply named ‘The Project’ for now.

First cycling memory:More than 20 years ago, while I was studying at university I bought a bike from the mall for 100 euros. I was cycling 50km a week when one Saturday I headed out with a sandwich and a bottle of water and it turned into my first 100km ride. The fact that I now run a cycle tours around Europe has a lot to do with that crazy day.

Top climb:The heroic ascent of the Colle delle Finestre, passing through the fortress of Fenesrelle in Italy

One thing on your bucket list:Cycling across the Balkans from Slovenia to Istanbul

A special skill you bring on tour:Passion and knowledge about the local food and wine here in Sardinia and Italy

Favourite Ride and Seek tour gastronomic experience:It is really a challenge to choose one of the endless possibilities to enjoy great food, but cheese in Sardinia I promise you that it is a sublime experience

Languages:I speak English, French, Italian and, of course Sardinian

Ride and Seek tours you lead:Three Islands Epic, the quintessence of the Mediterranean experience

Simone’s Sardinia Tour Dates 2019

Additional information

>Single supplement – Our prices are based on twin/double occupancy. If you wish to have your own room a supplement is applicable.

> Wine kitty – On all of your tours we run a wine kitty system. This is very much an optional arrangement that ensures non-drinkers can be accommodated. The wine kitty is owned by the group and anything left over is divided up although this rarely happens!

> Deposits – To reserve a place on a stage of this tour you need to pay a deposit of €1000 –(or your local currency equivalent). We also accept payment in GB£ and AU$.

Simply fill out the Booking Form and once that has been submitted you will be provided with the details required to pay the deposit. The final invoice will include any applicable single supplements or bike hire costs. Normally, unless otherwise requested, we collect the wine kitty monies on the tour itself. Contact us with your specific requirements and any questions you may have.

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The Trip

Mild weather, scents of Africa, Phoenician towns, great wines and outstanding sandy beaches: that's the South of Sardinia. Indulge yourself with a short break in the heart of Mediterranean in the company of Simone.

The Trip

Mild weather, scents of Africa, Phoenician towns, great wines and outstanding sandy beaches: that's the South of Sardinia. Indulge yourself with a short break in the heart of Mediterranean in the company of Simone.